Tuesday, April 28, 2009

One of my favorite issues of Entertainment Weekly is the Summer Movie Preview. I get quick & in-depth looks at all the big films, small films, and films I didn't even know were being made.

But this is a special year. It appears, more than ever, that I will most likely get an even less chance at seeing anything. I can forsee a busy summer, at work, at home, and with Ian. So instead I offer my Top 5 most anticipated films of the summer; and I'll be ecstatic if I'll be able to get to 2.

#5. Public Enemies (Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, dir: Michael Mann)In my opinion, you can't go wrong with a Michael Mann film. Plus Johnny Depp at the top of his game, and playing a character like John Dillinger is grounds for excitement.

#4. Inglorious Basterds (Brad Pitt, dir: Quentin Tarantino)You also can't go wrong with a film by QT, although I'm not too excited about the level of violence that will be filling this film, I am excited to see how he gets it done. And with this being Brad's first time working with QT, he'll be putting on quite a show. Expect something shocking with this one.

#3. Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen (Megan Fox, some guy, dir: Michael Bay)You have to admit the first one was insanely cool. Seeing one of my favorite toys & animated films come to life in a live-action way could only be exciting in the hands of Michael Bay. And this new T2 aims to please in a big way. Although I wonder how formulaic it will compare to another big 'revenge' film....watch out for elements that may remind you of when the empire struck back.

#2. Up (voices by Ed Asner, Delroy Lindo, dir: Pete Docter)Not to sound like a broken record, but my anticipation level goes berzerko with each new Pixar film because you can't bet against them. Just when you thought they couldn't challenge us anymore after the magnificent 'Wall•E', they attempt to show us heaven with a story of a widowed old-man?! Get ready for an adventure that will grab you by the heart.

#1. Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince (Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, dir: David Yates)Of course it will not be as good as the book, but it has every chance of being better than 'Prisoner of Azkaban' (the best film in the series), with a killer ending that will pave the way to the final chapters. More Voldemort. More magic from the students. And more is at stake. I would suggest, that if you haven't read this book yet, DON'T! See the movie first and be enthralled by it, then fill in the gaps with the exciting paperback.

Monday, April 20, 2009

For the past 4 days I've been in Hunt, Texas attending the 2009 Design Ranch, hosted by AIGA Austin. I gotta tell you, this event rocked my socks off! Lots of great people, great workshops, no critiques, and plenty of fun to be had. Everyone should try to go to the next one in 2011. I've got about 2 GB of video to sort through before editing my Ranch film. I'll post it here when it's ready so stay tuned.

The above photo was an experiment in light painting photographed by Mathew Sturtevant, concept & design by yours truly. No photoshop was used in the creation/production of this image.